“Let’s go down and look at the water wheel,” suggested Russ, for Laddie, Violet, Mun Bun and Margy never seemed to tire of this.
“Will that old peddler boy come and hit you again?” Mun Bun wanted to know.
“No, I guess he’s gone away,” answered Russ.
Down to the brook they went, a merry, happy group of children. They threw stones into the water, set little bits of wood afloat, pretending they were boats, and had a good time watching the splashing water wheel.
Suddenly Laddie, who had wandered off a little way to gather some brown cattails growing in a swampy place, came running back, fear showing on his face.
“He—he’s coming!” gasped Laddie.
“Who? That peddler boy?” demanded Russ, clenching his fists.
“No! The mad bull! He’s coming! Look out!” shouted Laddie.
CHAPTER XXII
AFTER WILD FLOWERS
For a moment or two Russ did not know whether or not Laddie was joking. The little fellow often played tricks, and this might be one of these times. But when Russ looked at Laddie’s face the older Bunker boy felt sure there must be something wrong.